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Vines are widely used as ground covers in many different types of gardens. Some of the ground cover vines are multipurpose and can be used to address more than one function. Vines come in a wide range of sizes, textures, colors, and growth rates that can give your garden a lush look.
Ground Cover Vines for Arid Areas
There are more than a dozen vines that thrive in arid landscapes. Using your climate zone as a starting point, search gardening books or check the internet for the descriptions of vines that do well in your area and choose those that will compliment your existing plantings or specific garden needs. Two interesting ground cover vines that do well with very little water are Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus) and Aplenia cordifolia (Red Apple). The Coral Vine is a native of Mexico and does exceptionally well in the hottest spot in the garden. The Aplenia cordifolia is a hybrid ice plant that has brighter red flowers than any of the other ice plant species which can give interesting texture and color to any hot dry area in your landscape.
Ground Cover Vines for Windy Areas
Strong winds can wreck havoc on a garden by tearing foliage away and snapping stems and branches of many plants. Some ground cover vines that are suitable in coastal and other wind swept landscapes include the common Lantana as well as the less well known Muehlenbecia complexa also known as the Mattress Vine. This hardy ground cover has brown black stems that resemble mattress springs in the way the twist and lie in a dense tangle across the ground adding a unique touch to the landscape. Trailing African Daisies and many Ice Plant species do well despite buffeting from strong winds as well.
Ground Cover Vines for Erosion Control
Steep slopes are a challenge to stabilize and incorporate attractively into a garden scheme. Many species of Hedera (Ivy) and Vinca are used in areas that their invasive nature are not a problem. Both plants grow and spread quickly which is a good thing when erosion control is the goal. Other ground cover vines that also add a sweet fragrance to are Japanese Honeysuckle ( Lonicera japonica) and Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum). Star Jasmine is often called the most versatile of all ground covers as it can be used in many garden plans in a variety of environments and do well.
Ground Cover Vines for Shady Areas
Many evergreen vines thrive in shady areas. Houttuynia cordata is a unique ground cover vine for shady areas that gives off the scent of orange peel when stepped on. Japanese Spurge is an excellent plant to use for shady transition area between walkways and lawns as it is not aggressive nor does it get weedy looking.
Hopefully your curiosity has been peaked enough for you to find out what unique and interesting vines are available for your trouble spots. Ground cover vines can be easy to care for and add more than just ground cover to your garden.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about landscape gardening and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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